April Jones trial begins

April Jones trial begins

The search for April was one of the biggest police searches the UK has ever seen

It is going to be another harrowing and emotional month for us all.

A statement from April's parents Paul and Coral

Paul and Coral Jones tightly locked hands as they arrived for the first day of a hearing that could reveal the five-year-old’s fate.

April has not been seen since she vanished while playing on her bike 200 yards from her home on October 1, 2012.

Her disappearance sparked one of Britain’s biggest ever police hunts.

Her parents asked relatives, friends, neighbours and the public to wear ribbons in April’s favourite colour of pink as symbol of hope she would be found.

Coral, 41, also wore a blouse with the pattern of pink ribbons and Paul, 43, a pink shirt as they arrived at Mold Crown Court for the start of the trial of Mark Bridger, 47.

In a joint statement last night they said: “It is going to be another harrowing and emotional month for us all.

“Knowing there are so many people out there that have accepted April into their hearts, is overwhelming and is what keeps us going. Little April has touched the hearts of the local communities, the UK and countries worldwide.

“And for this we are eternally grateful for everyone’s support.”

“Please keep April in your thoughts and prayers, and keep sending us in your wonderful comments and well wishes to keep our strength up.

“They mean so much.”

The couple watched from the public gallery high up in Courtroom No 1 as it was revealed jurors will be taken on a 120-mile round trip to Machynlleth, Powys, where April was last seen alive.

Ex-abattoir worker Bridger, who lived in the nearby village of Ceinws, denies her abduction, murder and unlawfully disposing of and concealing her body with intent to pervert the course of justice.

The dad-of-six spoke only to confirm his name as he appeared in the dock surrounded by three guards.